The women's national hockey team couldn't get it done. They earned silver after losing a late-game lead to Canada at the Sochi Olympics.
The men's team couldn't do it, either. They failed to medal despite an early thrilling shootout victory against Russia.
MORE: 16 Memorable men's hockey moments in Sochi
The U.S. Paralympic team, however, will return home from the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games with gold. Team USA defeated Russia 1-0 Saturday in the sled hockey finals.
Former U.S. Marine Josh Sweeney scored in the second period at Shayba Arena, which was close to its 7,000-seat capacity and packed with flag-waving, chanting Russians.
Here's Sweeney's golden shot. MT @usahockey GOLD! US Paralympic Team beats Russia, 1-0 http://t.co/bDTnZ9Ksk7 … pic.twitter.com/SWCaICd4WX
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) March 15, 2014
It was the third U.S. gold of a Winter Paralympics being dominated by Russia. They U.S. is the first country to win back-to-back gold medals in the sport.
Their NHL counterparts took to Twitter to congratulate the accomplishment, many with the #DawnsEarlyLight hashtag a member of the women's Olympic team came up with reminding U.S. fans to wake up early for the live action.
Congrats in order for the now-Golden @USParalympics Sled Hockey team!! #DawnsEarlyLight #TeamUSA
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 15, 2014 Congrats to USA sled hockey, 2014 gold medal winners!! #DawnsEarlyLight #Paralympics 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 15, 2014 Congratulations to Team USA’s sled hockey team! Back-to-back gold medals…we’re proud of you! #DawnsEarlyLight
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 15, 2014Congratulations to #TeamUSA! RT @usahockey: #BackToBack pic.twitter.com/AcAecDGWJL
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) March 15, 2014
Congratulations to the US Men's Paralympic Sled Hockey Team for winning back-to-back gold medals.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 15, 2014
Congratulations to the @usahockey Paralympic sled hockey team on winning back-to-back gold medals!!!
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 15, 2014
Congrats to #Buffalo's own Adam Page, Paul Schaus & #TeamUSA on the Gold Medal win in Sochi today in Paralympic Sledding. #DawnsEarlyLight
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) March 15, 2014This is the scene after the battle was won by USA 1-0 against RUS #sochi2014 #paralympics https://t.co/cAulITpaiV
— Paralympic Games (@Paralympic) March 15, 2014